Loch Lee and waterfalls circuit, Glen Esk

A fantastic circuit of Glen Lee taking in pretty Loch Lee and then climbing steeply past the Falls of Unich and the Fall of Damff to cross open moorland and descend the track on the Shank of Inchgrundle. A shorter, less strenuous walk would be to visit the first waterfall and return the same way.

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

From the car park at Invermark, near the head of Glen Esk, continue along the road past the church and cross the bridge. Continue past a house and follow the track past Invermark Castle. Built from local sandstone in the 18th century, the tower was to protect locals against cattle thieves from Aberdeenshire who would use the ancient routes through the glens for cattle raids. The track follows the Water of Lee upstream, passing Invermark Lodge up on the right and then the houses at Kirkton.

Stage 2

Continue past the dam for Loch Lee and the ruins of the church at the waterside and follow the track along the north side of the Loch. Eventually a boathouse is passed and the house at Inchgrundle can be seen clearly across the water. Do not take the track and bridge leading to Inchgrundle but keep ahead, passing a derelict house on the right amongst pine trees, and continuing up Glen Lee.

Stage 3

Keep on the main track and when a footbridge comes into view fork left to reach it. After the bridge a narrower path leads to the Falls of Unich. This is a lovely spot and would make a good destination in itself if a shorter walk is wanted. However this route now continues up a rough path on the right hand side of the Water of Unich.

Stage 4

The path winds its way uphill, with good views into the gorge at times. This is a good spot for birds of prey. As the land opens out, the path pass the upper Falls of Damff and then turns left at a junction to descend to the bridge. Cross and continue on a faint and boggy path keeping to the left of a stream and heading southeast and then east to reach the indistinct summit of Cairn Lick - there are a couple of small cairns that mark the way.

Stage 5

From here Loch Lee can be seen below. Keep heading east until the track which descends the Shank of Inchgrundle is reached. Follow this downhill with excellent views to the left of the impressive corrie and Carlochy. Eventually the track doubles back into larch trees and crosses a bridge. Turn left and follow the track across the glen and over the bridge to rejoin the outward track.

Stage 6

From here retrace the outward route along the north side of Loch Lee with great views back up the glen and also ahead.